Closure for Dispensing Additive

ABSTRACT

A closure including a base member, a top member slidably engaged with the base member, the top member having a spigot member. A crown member is slidably engaged with the top member. The base member and top member form at least one reservoir.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/735,200 entitled BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH RESERVOIR(S) FOR DISPENSING ADDITIVE(S) and filed on Nov. 7, 2005, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,796 entitled BOTTLE CLOSURE WITH RESERVOIR(S) FOR DISPENSING ADDITIVE(S) and filed on May 12, 2006.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosed embodiments relate to dispenser vessels and, more particularly, to dispenser vessels for dispensing additive(s).

2. Brief Description of Related Developments

Conventional methods for storing and introducing an additive, such as flavoring into a beverage generally involves a capsule that is sealed within a beverage container, such as a can. An example of this type of capsule can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,444. These capsules operate through a differential in pressure between the inside of the can and the atmosphere that is produced when the can is opened. When the pressure inside the can drops upon opening, a sealing member of the capsule is torn open releasing its contents into the beverage.

However, where there is no pressure differential between the inside of the beverage container or when the pressure differential is minimal these capsules may be insufficient to release the additive into the beverage. It would be advantageous to have a release mechanism to introduce additive(s) into a container regardless of any pressure differential.

Other examples of devices for storing and adding additives can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,908,011; 6,935,493; 6,945,393; 6,959,841; 6,974,024; 6,994,211;, 7,070,046; 7,025,200.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container. In one embodiment, the method includes fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of a top member of the closure and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane.

In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container. In one embodiment, the method includes fracturing a frangible membrane of a top member of the closure with a protrusion on a spigot member of the closure, fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of the top member of the closure and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane of the base member.

In a further aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a closure system. In one embodiment, the closure system includes a top member and a base member attached to the top member, where the top and base members form at least one reservoir for containing a substance. The top member is configured to move axially with respect to the base member.

In yet a further aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a closure system. In one embodiment, the closure includes a base member, a top member slidably engaged with the base member, the top member having a spigot member and a crown member slidably engaged with the top member. The base member and top member form at least one reservoir.

In another aspect, the disclosed embodiment relate to a method for releasing a content of a reservoir. In one embodiment the method includes rotating a top member of the reservoir relative to a bottom member of the reservoir, axially driving the top member of the reservoir so that a protrusion of the top member fractures a frangible membrane of the bottom member and releasing the content of the reservoir through the fractured frangible membrane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the disclosed embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a closure and container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the closure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exploded view of a portion of the closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate isometric views of a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded sectional view of a closure in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of the closure of FIG. 13 in an unassembled configuration;

FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of the closure of FIG. 13 in an assembled and un-actuated configuration;

FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of the closure of FIG. 13 in an actuated configuration;

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a closure assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16 in a sealed configuration;

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate exploded sectional views of the closure assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 21 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16 in an actuated and non-sealed configuration;

FIG. 22 illustrates a sectional view of the closure assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16 in an actuated and sealed configuration;

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate sectional views of a closure and container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded sectional view of a closure in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the closure of FIG. 25;

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate flow diagrams in accordance with a method of exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 29 illustrates an closure container in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 30 illustrates a sectional view of the closure container of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded view of the closure container of FIG. 29; and

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram in accordance with a method of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(s)

FIG. 1 illustrates a closure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described below, it should be understood that these aspects could be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The container closure assembly 1 of FIG. 1 includes a top member 5 and a base or bottom member 10, which together form at least one reservoir 2 in which at least one additive or reservoir content 3 is held. In alternate embodiments, the container closure assembly 1 may have more or less than two members and any suitable numbers of reservoirs. FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary reservoir 2 configurations. Although three reservoir configurations are shown, the reservoirs may have any suitable configuration. The additive(s) 3 may be any suitable additive such as, for example, nutriceutical, pharmaceutical, purification, flavorant or other compounds. The additive(s) 3 may be released in liquid, granular, powder, tablet, capsule or other suitable form into the contents of an attached container 4 (See FIGS. 3A and 3B) generally immediately prior to consumption or use. The container 4 may be any suitable container such as, for example, a beverage or detergent container. In this example, the container closure assembly 1 is to be removed from the container 4 to allow egress of the container contents. It is noted that while the embodiments described herein are described with reference to a beverage or detergent container, the disclosed embodiments may be equally applied to non-beverage/detergent applications. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be employed in the personal hygiene industry (e.g. mouthwash, shampoo, etc.), the home and auto industry (e.g. cleaning products, air fresheners, medications, etc.) and the food industry (e.g. condiments, sauces, spices, seasonings, etc). The closure may have any suitable shape corresponding to, for example, the mouth or opening of an attached container. In alternate embodiments, the closure may be of unitary construction with the attached container to form a reservoir vessel in the form of, for example, a packet, cylinder, box, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the base member 10 of the closure assembly 1 may include a longitudinal skirt portion 12 extending in a direction from the top of the assembly 1 to the bottom of the assembly 1. The skirt portion 12 may have an opening 13 to be removably engaged on a container 4, and contact portions 14 to substantially seal between the closure 1 and the container 4. In alternate embodiments, the top member 5 may be removably engaged to the container 4 while the base member 10 remains affixed to the container 4. In other alternate embodiments, the base member 10 may have a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member 10 when the base member 10 is removed from the container 4. Base member 10 may include a disc portion 15 opposite the container engagement opening 13. The disc portion 15 may prevent egress of the additive(s) 3 into the attached container 4. In alternate embodiments, egress of the additive(s) may be controlled in any suitable manner.

The disc portion 15 may have one or more partially-frangible segments 9 to be initially pierced along frangible pathways 113 by a ram 8 of the top member 5 and further split by the continued advancement of the top member 5. Split segments 9 of the disc 15 may remain attached to the bottom member 10 via a living hinge 60 (See FIG. 9) while not interfering with the release of the additive(s) 3. In alternate embodiments, the partially-frangible segments 9 may be contained from being released into the contents of the container 4 in any suitable manner. The base member 10 may also have an annular skirt portion 17 extending above the disc portion 15. The skirt 17 may contact the ram portion 8 or other alignment portion of the top member 5 and provide retention and guidance of the top member 5 before, during and after actuation. In this embodiment the skirt 17 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt 17 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc.

The top member 5 of the container closure assembly 1 includes a top surface 6 with an outer frangible or deformable skirt portion 7. In this embodiment the skirt 7 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt 7 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The outer skirt portion 7 may be attached to the top 6 of the top member 5 via a frangible web 61. The skirt portion 7 along with features 18 (See FIG. 5) on the bottom member 10 of the container closure assembly 1 may prevent or minimize unintentional actuation of the top member 5. The skirt portion 7 may also substantially abut, for example, section A of the bottom member 10 to minimize unintentional actuation of the top member 5. In alternate embodiments, unintentional actuation of the top member 5 may be minimized in any suitable manner. In alternate embodiments, the skirt 7 may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the skirt 7 if the top member 5 and the bottom member 10 are disassembled.

The top member 5 may include a ram portion 8 that extends from the underside of the top member 5. The ram portion 8 may include one or more projections, which may pierce and open the frangible portion 9 of the bottom member 10. The outer surface 11 of the ram portion 8 may be engaged with the skirt portion 17 of base member 10 in such a way and with such mechanisms as necessary to minimize the risk of tampering and make tamper evident. Such engagement may also provide an adequate seal to protect and preserve the contents 3 of the closure reservoir 2 from ingress or egress of substances. In alternate embodiments, ingress or egress may be controlled in any suitable manner.

The top member 5 may act as a ram that is manually actuated longitudinally or axially to pierce the partially-frangible segment 9 of the base member 10 (Block 2700, FIG. 27). The top member 5 may be actuated by impacting or “slamming” (e.g. providing either a sudden or steady force sufficient to move the top member and to fracture the frangible membrane(s)) the top 6 of the top member 5 on a suitable surface so the top member 5 is driven longitudinally towards the bottom member 10 in the direction of arrow A (See FIG. 3B). When the top member 5 is driven in the direction of arrow A, the frangible web 61 may break allowing the skirt portion 7 to deform. The deformation of the skirt 7 allows the ram 8 to move in the direction of arrow A and to pierce the segments 9. Beyond initial piercing of the segments 9, the further actuation of the top member 5 increases the opening in the membrane 9 when the ram 8 abuts the edges of the frangible membrane in area B (See FIG. 9) so that the additive(s) 3 may be fully released into the attached container 4 (Block 2710, FIG. 27). Upon actuation, the top member 5 may remain in a fully-engaged position and provide an adequate seal with the base member 10 to prevent ingress/egress through the closure with respect to the attached container. Upon release of the additive(s) 3 into the attached container 4, the user may manually agitate the package composed of the assembled closure 1 and the container 4. The contents of the container 4 may be released by removing the closure assembly 1 from the container 4.

In this example, the additive(s) 3 are released by impacting or slamming the top 6 of the top member 5 against a surface. In alternate embodiments, the bottom of the container opposite the closure 1 may be impacted or slammed on a surface so that the inertia of the top member 5 causes the longitudinal movement of the top member thereby piercing the membrane 9. In other alternate embodiments, the top member 5 may be actuated in any suitable manner.

The top and base members 5,10 may be formed in any suitable manner such as, for example, by injection or compression molding. The top and base members 5, 10 may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials such as, for example plastic, which may provide adequate mechanical functionality and seal characteristics for the closure reservoir 2, and which are non-reactive with the additive(s) 3, the container 4 or the container contents. The material(s) of the top member 5 may differ from that of the base member 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a container closure assembly 149 is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The container closure 149 includes an upper member 150 and a base member 102, which when assembled form at least one reservoir 124. The base member 102 may include an outer longitudinal skirt portion 165 with an opening 153 to be removably engaged with a container 164 (See FIGS. 23-24). The base member may also have contact portions 154, which may provide a seal between the closure assembly 149 and the container 164. In alternate embodiments, the base member 102 may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member 102 when the base member 102 is removed from the container 164.

Reservoir base member 102 may have an inner longitudinal skirt portion 155 that engages the inside of the container 164 opening. In this embodiment, the skirt 155 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt 155 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The skirt 155 may form the lower walls of the reservoir 124. The lower reservoir region may be closed with a disc portion 151. The disc portion 151 may have one or more partially-frangible segments 152. Disc portion 151 may be initially pierced by a ram 118 of the top reservoir member 150 and further split by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt 117 of the top member 150. Split segments 152 of the disc 151 may remain attached to the skirt 155 by means of a flexible shoulder 115, while not interfering with the release of the additive(s) 163. In alternate embodiments, segments 152 may be retained in any suitable manner. Sealing features 116 may be present on the reservoir surface of the base member 102 for engaging complementary features 119 on the reservoir top member 150. In alternate embodiments, a tamper evidence ring similar to the ring 1370 shown in FIG. 13 may be attached to the base member 102.

The top reservoir member 150 may include an outer skirt 156 with features 122 on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features 122 are shown in the figures as raised bars or ribs, but in alternate embodiments the features 122 may be any suitable feature such as knurling, dimples, recesses, or bosses. The top member 150 may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads 120, 121 on an internal surface. Pads 120, 121 may interact with pads 107 of the bottom reservoir member 102 to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. A flat portion 157 connects the outer skirt 156 and inner skirt 117. The flat portion 157 may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member 150 in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s) 163. The internal skirt 117 may engage the base member 102 to complete the walls of the reservoir 124. The sealing features 116, 119 may prevent egress of the additive(s) 163 when the top and base members 150, 102 are assembled.

Upon initial assembly, ram 118 extending from the flat portion 158 of the reservoir top member 150 may be engaged with recess 112 of the reservoir base member 102. The inner skirt 117 of the top member 150 may extend above the flat portion 157 to accommodate reservoir 124 capacity, and the extended portion 159 may be closed at the top by a surface 158 of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads.

As described above, the exterior surface of the outer skirt 165 may have a multiplicity of pads 107 used to secure the top 150 and base 102 reservoir members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s) 163 into the attached container 164. The security/guidance pads 107 may include segments substantially similar to segments 1510, 1511 in FIGS. 19A and 20 which are separated by a membrane 1509 of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value. The ends 1508 (FIG. 19A) of the pads 107 should be of adequate thickness to resist unintentional high-range torque and provide guidance for the axial advancement of the top reservoir member 150. During initial assembly, the first pad 120 of the top reservoir member 150 will ride over the first segment 1510 of pad 107 of the base member 102, bringing the second pad 121 into contact with the flat top portion of the first segment 1510, thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members.

To release the contents 163 of the reservoir 124, appropriate torque may be applied to the top reservoir member 150 by rotating it with respect to the bottom member 102 to a prescribed angle to shear membrane 1509 of the bottom reservoir member 102 and allowing the second pad 121 to engage the angled surface of the second segment 1511. A longitudinal or axial force applied to the top member 150 in the direction of arrow A drives the top pad 121 over the second segment 1511 and secures the two members 102, 150 together so that they may not be easily separated. The axial force may be an impact force between the top 158 of the top member 150 and any suitable surface. In alternate embodiments, the axial force may be any suitable force. As the top member 150 is driven in the direction of arrow A, the ram portions 117, 118 pierce disc portion 151 and separate the segments 152 along integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible pathways 113, 114 (Block 2700, FIG. 27). Segments 152 may be held open by the skirt 117 upon further advancement of the top member 150 to release the contents 163 into the container 164 (Block 2710, FIG. 27).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14A-C, a container closure 1300 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The container closure includes an upper member 1350 and a base member 1302, which when assembled form at least one reservoir substantially similar to the reservoir 124 shown in FIG. 12.

The base member 1302 may include an upper surface 1303 with an inner longitudinal skirt 1355 and an outer longitudinal skirt 1365 which extend away from the upper surface 1303 towards the bottom of the closure 1300 in the direction of arrow A. The inner skirt 1355 of the base member 1302 may engage the inside of the container 164 opening. In this embodiment the inner skirt 1355 has a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the inner skirt 1355 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The inner skirt 1355 may be connected at the bottom to a frangible member 1351 by a flexible shoulder 1315 to form the bottom half 1304 of the reservoir. The frangible member 1351 may have one or more partially-frangible segments 1352. The inner skirt 1355 may also include sealing features 1316 on the reservoir surface of the base member 1302 for engaging complementary features 1319 on the upper member 1350 to prevent the additive(s) from escaping the reservoir.

The outer skirt 1365 of the base member 1302 may form an opening 1353 that may be removably engaged with a container 164 (See FIGS. 23-24). The outer skirt may include thread members 1305 for engaging corresponding threads on the container 164. In alternate embodiments, the outer skirt 1365 may be removably affixed to the container 164 in any suitable manner such as by, for example, snaps and the like. In other alternate embodiments the base member may be permanently affixed to the container. The outer skirt 1365 and the upper surface 1303 may also form contact portions 1354, which may provide a seal between the closure 1300 and the container 164.

The outer skirt 1365 may include openings 1387 for engaging attachment arms 1390 of the upper member 1350. The openings 1387 may include a multiplicity of pads 1385, 1386 used to secure the top 1350 and base 1302 members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s) 163 into the attached container 164. The security/guidance pads 1385, 1386 may be separated by a retaining membrane 1306 of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value. A tamper evidence ring 1370 may also be connected to the outer skirt 1365 by frangible members 1371 which will allow the ring 1370 to separate from the outer skirt 1365 if the closure 1300 is removed from the container.

The top reservoir member 1350 may include an outer skirt 1356 with recessed features on the outside to facilitate gripping. In alternate embodiments, the features may be substantially similar to features 122 shown in the FIG. 11 and described above. The top member 1350 may also include attachment arms 1390 to facilitate assembly of the closure 1300 and for guiding a rotation and longitudinal movement of the upper member 1350 during actuation. The attachment arms 1390 extend from a flat portion 1357 of the top member 1350 and may include a multiplicity of paired raised pads 1391, 1392. Pads 1391, 1392 may interact with pads 1385, 1386 of the bottom member 1302 to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The flat portion 1357 may connect the outer skirt 1356 and inner skirt 1317 of the top member 1350. The flat portion 1357 may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member 1350 in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s) 163.

The inner skirt 1317 may engage the base member 1302 to complete the walls and top 1358 of the reservoir. The inner skirt 1317 of the top member 1350 may extend above the flat portion 1357 to accommodate reservoir capacity, and the extended portion 1359 may be closed at the top by a surface 1358 of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads. A ram member 1318 may extend from the surface 1358 of the reservoir to facilitate the egress of the additive(s) as will be described below.

Upon initial assembly, as shown in FIG. 14B, the attachment arms 1390 may be inserted into the openings 1387 of the base member 1302 so that pads 1391 move over pads 1385 of the base member 1302. The interaction of the upper surface of pads 1391 and lower surface of pads 1385 prevents the closure from being disassembled. Pads 1392 come into contact with the flat top portion of pads 1385, thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members. The upper member is prevented from rotating because the attachment arms are retained by the membrane 1306 described above. The ram 1318 extending from the top 1358 of the reservoir of the top member 1350 may be engaged with recess 1312 of the reservoir base member 1302.

In operation, adequate torque is applied to the upper member 1350 in, for example, the direction of arrow B to rotate the upper member 1350 so that the attachment arms 1390 break the retaining membrane 1306. Upon rotation the attachment arms are aligned with pads 1386. To release the additive(s) contained in the reservoir the surface 1358 and/or surface 1357 is pushed or impacted against a suitable surface such as a table or a user's hand so that the upper member 1350 moves longitudinally relative to the base member 1302 in the direction of arrow A. Upon the longitudinal movement of the upper member 1350, the pads 1392 pass over the angled upper surfaces of pads 1386. The interaction of the upper surface of pads 1392 and the flat lower surface of pads 1386 prevent the upper member 1350 from returning to its original position. The disc portion 1351 may be initially pierced by a ram 1318 of the top reservoir member 1350 and further split along frangement pathways 1313 by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt 1317 of the top member 1350. Split segments 1352 of the disc 1351 may remain attached to the skirt 1355 by means of a flexible shoulder 1315, while not interfering with the release of the additive(s). In alternate embodiments, segments 1352 may be retained in any suitable manner.

Referring to FIGS. 15-24, a resealable pull-up style container closure 1501 is shown. The closure 1501 includes a base member 1502, a top member 1503, a spigot member 1504 and a crown member 1505.

The base member 1502 may include an outer longitudinal skirt portion 1565 with an opening 1553 to be removably engaged with a container 164 (See FIGS. 23-24). The base member may also have contact portions 1554, which may provide a seal between the closure assembly and the container 164. In alternate embodiments, the base member 1502 may include a tamper evidence feature, such as a band or ring, that would separate from the base member 1502 when the base member 1502 is removed from a container. Reservoir base member 1502 may also include an inner longitudinal skirt portion 1555 that engages the inside of the container 164 opening. In this embodiment the skirt 1555 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt 1555 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The skirt 1555 may form the lower walls of the reservoir 1524. The lower reservoir region may be closed with a disc portion 1551. The disc portion 1551 may have one or more partially-frangible segments 1552 that are split along frangible pathways 1513. Disc portion 1551 may be initially pierced along a piercing pathway 1514 by a ram 1518 of the top reservoir member 1550 and further split by the continued advancement of the reservoir skirt 1517 of the top member 1550. Split segments 1552 of the disc 1551 may remain attached to the skirt 1555 by means of a flexible shoulder 1515, while not interfering with the release of the additive(s) 163. In alternate embodiments, segments 1552 may be retained in any suitable manner. Sealing features 1516 may be present on the reservoir surface of the base member 1502, engaging complementary features 1519 on the reservoir top member 1550.

The top reservoir member 1550 may include an outer skirt 1556 with features 1522 on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features 1522 are shown in the figures as raised bars or ribs, but in alternate embodiments the features 1522 may be any suitable feature such as knurling, dimples, recesses, or bosses. The top member 1550 may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads 1520, 1521 on an internal surface. Pads 1520, 1521 may interact with security/guidance pads 1507 of the bottom reservoir member 1502 to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The security/guidance pads 1507 may include segments 1510, 1511 which are separated by a membrane 1509 of adequate thickness to resist unintentional low-range torque while allowing a breach beyond an intended torque value (See FIG. 19A). In one embodiment, the ends 1508 of the pads 1507 should be of adequate thickness to resist unintentional high-range torque and provide guidance for the axial advancement of the top reservoir member 1550.

A flat portion 1557 may connect the outer skirt 1556 and inner skirt 1517 of the top member 1550. The flat portion 1557 may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member 1550 in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s) 1524. The internal skirt 1517 may engage the base member 1502 to complete the walls of the reservoir. The sealing features 1516, 1519 may prevent egress of the additive(s) 1524 when the top and base members 1550, 1502 are assembled.

The top 1558 of the reservoir 1524 of the resealable pull-up style closure 1501 may include semi-frangible segments 1526. The segments 1526 may be pierced along frangement pathways 1569 and deflected about hinge features 1525 by a spigot member 1504. Additionally in this embodiment, the skirt extension 1559 beyond the top 1558 of the reservoir 1524 may include outside beads 1523, 1533 and tooth projections 1531, 1532. In this embodiment the skirt extension 1559 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt extension 1559 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The inner surface of the skirt extension 1559 above the top 1558 of the reservoir 1524 includes a ledge 1529 and rotation resistance features 1530 (See FIG. 20) which may retain the spigot component 1504 until deliberate actuation. A longitudinal groove 1528 on the inner surface of the inner skirt 1517 guides the spigot 1504 during engagement and piercing of the reservoir top membrane 1558. A groove 1527 on the skirt projection 1559 may retain the spigot flange 1536 upon actuation.

The spigot member 1504 may include a cylindrical wall 1534 which may be notched 1535 at the end engaging the top of the reservoir 1558 and is bridged 1548 at the opposite end with a stopper feature 1539 projecting above the bridge 1548. In alternate embodiments, the spigot wall 1534 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. A flange 1536 perpendicular to and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the spigot 1504 may be seated on ledge 1529 of the reservoir top member 1503 before actuation and retained after actuation in the groove 1527. Tabs 1537 projecting radially from the flange 1536 may engage a rotation-resistance feature 1530 on the reservoir top member 1503 before actuation and engage longitudinal grooves 1528 in the top member 1503 when the spigot is advanced longitudinally in the direction of arrow A to puncture the top 1558 of the reservoir 1524. Longitudinal ribs 1538 project upward from the flange 1536 to provide orientation and alignment of the crown member 1505 when opening the closure 1501 to release the container contents or when resealing the closure 1501.

The closure crown 1505 includes a top disc portion 1560 from which an outer skirt 1561 and an inner skirt 1544 extend. The closure crown 1505 includes an orifice 1546 for container 164 content egress. The outer skirt 1561 may include externally protruding features 1547 which may improve grip and reduce choking hazard, and an integrally molded frangible tamper evidence feature 1506 which extends below the skirt 1561. During assembly, the teeth 1542 of the frangible member 1506 engage complementary teeth 1531 of the top reservoir member 1503. Tabs 1543 of the crown 1505 and contact pads 1532 of the top reservoir member 1503 may resist axial load before actuation. Longitudinal grooves 1545 on the inner surface of the inner skirt 1544 engage ribs 1538 on the spigot 1504 providing torque transfer to and alignment with the spigot 1504 during actuation of the resealable pull-up closure feature.

Upon initial assembly, ram 1518 extending from the flat portion 1558 of the reservoir top member 1550 may be engaged with recess 1512 of the reservoir base member 1502. The inner skirt 1517 of the top member 1550 may extend above the flat portion 1557 to accommodate reservoir 1524 capacity, and the extended portion 1559 may be closed at the top by a surface 1558 of appropriate thickness and form to withstand prescribed static and dynamic loads.

As described above, the exterior surface of the outer skirt 1565 may have a multiplicity of pads 1507 used to secure the top 1550 and base 1502 reservoir members together upon assembly, and provide mechanical guidance features for the actuation of the components required to release the additive(s) 163 into the attached container 164. During initial assembly, the first pad 1520 of the top reservoir member 1550 will ride over the first segment 1510 of pad 1507 of the base member 1502, bringing the second pad 1521 into contact with the flat top portion of the first segment 1510, thereby forming a mechanical lock between the two members.

The resealable pull-up closure feature may be actuated by rotating the crown 1505 until stopped by the contact of the spigot tab 1537 with the top reservoir member groove 1528, which action also orients the tabs 1543 with relieved surfaces 1566 over which tabs 1543 may longitudinally pass. The resistance of this rotation by engagement of the teeth 1542, 1531 subsequently shears the integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible webs 1541 which had connected the crown 1505 and the tamper evidence feature 1506. The crown 1505 is depressed longitudinally in the direction of arrow A until physically stopped by the contact of the spigot 1504 flange 1536 with the membrane 1558 at the top of the reservoir. This action drives the detached band 1506 over the bead 1523 and the pads 1543 over the reliefs 1566 making both non-retractable to their original position. The spigot prongs 1562 are thereby driven through the membrane 1558 with the notch 1535 permanently holding open the partially-frangible membrane sections 1526 (Block 2800, FIG. 28). The spigot prongs 1562 may be driven through the membrane 1558 in substantially the same manner as the rams 118 described above with respect to FIGS. 10-12. The force of driving the spigot prongs 1562 through the membrane 1558 may be transferred to the top member 1503 through, for example, flange 1536 and ledge 1529 so that the frangible segment 1552 of disc 1551 are separated in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 10-12 (Block 2810, FIG. 28) to release the contents 163 of the reservoir 1524 into the container 164 (Block 2820, FIG. 28). It should be noted that the operation in Blocks 2810 and 2820 can also be performed in the reverse order of that described above.

The package contents 168 are released by axially retracting the crown 1505 until stopped by the contact of pads 1543 with the underside of the teeth 1531, and the package is resealed by depressing the crown 1505 until stopped.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 a resealable pull-up style container closure 2500 is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The closure 2500 includes a base member 1302, a top member 2503, a shutoff member 2504 and a crown member 2505. The base member 1302 is substantially similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 13.

The top reservoir member 2503 may include an outer skirt 2556 with features on the outside to facilitate gripping. The features may be substantially similar to the features 1522 shown in FIG. 19A. A flat portion 2557 connects the outer skirt 2556 and inner skirt 2517. The flat portion 2557 may provide a mechanical stop during the longitudinal or axial advancement of the top member 2503 in the direction of arrow A during release of the additive(s) 1524. Attachment arms 2590 may extend from the flat portion 2557 to facilitate assembly of the closure 2500 and for guiding a rotation and longitudinal movement of the top member 2503 during actuation. The attachment arms 2590 may include a multiplicity of paired raised pads 2591, 2592. Pads 2591, 2592 may interact with pads 1385, 1386 of the bottom member 1302 to provide a mechanical interlock between the components. The internal skirt 2517 may engage the base member 1302 to complete the walls of the reservoir. The sealing features 1316, 2519 may prevent egress of the additive(s) when the top 2503 and base members 1302 are assembled.

The top 2558 of the reservoir of the resealable pull-up style closure 2500 may include semi-frangible segments 2526. The segments 2526 may be pierced along frangement pathways 2569 and deflected about hinge features 2525 by frangement wedges 2562 of the crown member 2505. Additionally in this embodiment, the skirt extension 2559 beyond the top 2558 of the reservoir may include outside beads 1523, 1533 and tooth projections 1531, 1532 substantially similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19A. In this embodiment the skirt extension 2559 is shown as having a circular cross-section, but in alternate embodiments the skirt extension 2559 may have any suitable cross-section such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The inner surface of the skirt extension 2559 above the top 2558 of the reservoir may include ledges 2529 and rotation resistance features 2530 which may retain the shutoff 2504 and/or the crown 2505 until deliberate actuation. Longitudinal grooves 2528 on the inner surface of the inner skirt 2517 guide the spigot 2504 during actuation while longitudinal grooves 2545 guide the crown 2505 during engagement and piercing of the reservoir top membrane 2558. Spigot retainers 2527A that form grooves 2527 on the skirt projection 2559 may retain the shutoff flange 2536 upon actuation.

The shutoff 2504 may include a stopper 2539 for plugging the fluid release orifice 2546 of the crown member 2505. The stopper 2539 may be connected to flange 2536 in any suitable manner such as, for example, by members 2548. Before actuation the spigot flange 2536 may rest against ledges 2529. During actuation the shutoff 2504 and flange 2536 may be rotated via the crown member 2505 until the flange 2536 is stopped by and aligned with channels 2528. The shutoff 2504 may be pushed in the direction of arrow A towards the surface 2557 of the top member 2503 by surface 2599 of the retaining channel 2535 and/or surface 2560A of the crown member 2505. As the shutoff 2504 is moved in the direction of arrow A, longitudinal grooves 2528 on the inner surface of the extension 2559 may guide the shutoff 2504. The shutoff flange 2536 may move over the shutoff retainers 2527A and be retained by the grooves 2527 to prevent further longitudinal movement of the shutoff 2504. In alternate embodiments, longitudinal movement of the shutoff 2504 after actuation may be employed in any suitable manner.

The crown member 2505 may include a top disc portion 2560 from which an outer skirt 2561 and an inner crown guidance skirt 2544 extend. The crown 2505 may include an orifice 2546 for container content egress. The outer skirt 2561 may include externally protruding features 2547 which may improve grip and reduce choking hazard, and an integrally molded frangible tamper evidence feature 2506 which extends below the skirt 2561. During assembly, the teeth 2542 of the frangible member 2506 engage complementary teeth 1531, 1532 of the top member 2503. Tabs 2543 of the crown 2505 and projections 1532 of the top member 2503 may resist axial load before actuation. In alternate embodiments, the axial load may be resisted in any suitable manner such as, for example, by snaps, a frangible connection and the like.

The inner crown guidance skirt 2544 may include longitudinal ribs 2590, a retaining channel 2535 and frangement wedges 2562. In this embodiment, the inner skirt 2544 is cylindrical (e.g. with a circular cross-section) but in alternate embodiments, the inner skirt 2544 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. The longitudinal ribs 2590 may extend from the top surface 2560A of the crown 2505 towards the bottom member 1302 of the closure 2500. The ribs 2590 may have any suitable length for engaging the ledges 2529, retaining recesses 2530 and/or grooves 2545 of the top member 2503. Before actuation, the ribs 2590 may be seated on the ledges 2529 inside the retaining recesses 2530. The recesses 2530 may prevent unintentional rotation of the crown member 2505. In alternate embodiments, unintentional rotation of the crown 2505 may be facilitated by the flange 2536 of the shutoff 2504, which is located in the channel 2535 of the crown member 2505. The ribs 2590 may engage longitudinal grooves 2545 in the top member 2503 when the crown member 2505 is rotated and advanced longitudinally in the direction of arrow A (towards the surface 2557 of the top member 2503) to puncture the frangible member 2558. The retaining channel 2535 may hold the broken frangible segments 2526 open after actuation to allow egress of the container contents. The retaining channel 2535 may also engage the shutoff flanges 2536 on the shutoff 2504 providing torque transfer to and alignment of the shutoff 2504 with grooves 2528 during actuation of the resealable pull-up closure feature. In alternate embodiments, torque transfer and alignment of the shutoff 2504 may be provided in any suitable manner such as, for example, by tabs, friction, ratchets, etc.

The closure 2500 operates substantially the same way as closure 1501 to release the contents of the reservoir. However, the crown 2505 rather than the shutoff 2504 breaks the frangible member 2558 as is described below.

The resealable pull-up closure 2500 may be actuated by rotating the crown 2505 until stopped by the contact of the ribs 2590 with the top member groove 2545 and/or the contact of the shutoff flange 2536 with the top member grooves 2528, which action also orients the tabs 2543 with relieved surfaces 1566 over which tabs 2543 may longitudinally pass. The resistance of this rotation by engagement of the teeth 2542, 1531 subsequently shears the integrally molded or mechanically formed frangible webs 2541 which had connected the crown 2505 and the tamper evidence feature 2506. The crown 2505 may be depressed longitudinally by, for example, a uniform motion, by impact force or the like in the direction of arrow A until physically stopped by the contact of the shutoff flange 2536 with the partially frangible member 2558. This action drives the detached band 2506 over the bead 1523 and the pads 2543 over the projections 1531 making both non-retractable to their original position. The force of driving the crown 2505 in the direction of arrow A causes the frangement wedges 2562 to be driven through the partially frangible member 2558. The retaining channel or notch 2535 may hold open the partially frangible member sections 2526.

The frangement wedges 2562 may be driven through the partially frangible member 2558, by for example, an impact force or uniform movement of the crown 2505, so that the partially frangible member 2558 is pierced by the frangement wedges 2562 at frangement pathways 2569 and further split by the continued advancement of the inner skirt 2544 of the crown 2505. Split segments 2526 of the partially frangible member 2558 may remain attached to the member 2558 by means of a living hinge 2525, while not interfering with the release of the container contents. It should be realized that driving the detached band 2506 over the bead 1523 and piercing the partially frangible member 2558 may be performed in one motion.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-32 a vessel or container type closure 2900 is shown. The vessel closure may be a stand-alone vessel or a stopper/plug that may prevent contents from a separate container from escaping. In alternate embodiments, the vessel closure may be employed in any suitable manner. Although the vessel closure 2900 is depicted in the drawings as having a cylindrical shape, in alternate embodiments the vessel closure may have any suitable shape such as, for example, a cubic, a parallelepiped, a pyramid or ovoid shape. The vessel closure 2900 may contain a liquid, powder, granular, or flaky substance. In alternate embodiments, any suitable substance having any suitable consistency or composition may be contained within the vessel. Examples of substances that may be contained within the vessel closure 2900 include, but are not limited to chemical reagents and compounds, detergents or cleaning products, condiments, spices, drink mixes, air fresheners, medications, foodstuffs and/or components thereof, sauces, etc.

The closure 2900 may include a top member or portion 2901 and a bottom member or portion 2902 which when assembled form a reservoir 3050. The top and bottom portions 2901, 2902 may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials such as, for example plastic, which may provide adequate mechanical functionality and seal characteristics for the reservoir 3050, and which are non-reactive with the contents of the reservoir 3050. The material(s) of the top member 2901 may differ from that of the bottom member 2902.

The top member 2901 may include an upper surface 2910 and an outer skirt 3030 extending from the top surface 2910. The top surface 2910 and/or the outer skirt 3030 may include gripping members 3030. The gripping members 2930 are shown in the figures as ridges but in alternate embodiments the gripping members may be any suitable features that provide grip for actuating the vessel closure 2900. For example, the gripping features may be a knurled, dimpled or other textured surface that may be of unitary construction with the top member 2901 or attached to the top member 2901 with, for example an adhesive. The top member 2901 may also include a protrusion or piercing member 3020 extending from the top surface 2910 in the same axial or longitudinal direction as the outer skirt 2930. In the figures the piercing member 3020 is shown as being a cylindrical rod but in alternate embodiments the piercing member 3020 may have any suitable shape. In addition any suitable number of piercing members may be utilized. The piercing member 3020 may have a suitable length so that when the top and bottom members 2901, 2902 are assembled the piercing member 3020 substantially contacts the frangible membrane 2960. In alternate embodiments the piercing member may have any suitable length. The top member 2901 may also include a multiplicity of paired raised pads 3150, 3160 on the external surface of the outer skirt 3030. Pads 3150, 3160 may interact with pads 3100, 3120 of the bottom member 2902 to provide a mechanical interlock between the components as will be described below. The top member 2901 may include sealing features located on the outer skirt 3030 such as, for example, slots or grooves 3010A, 3010B that may interact with, for example ridges 3000A, 3000B of the bottom member 2902. The sealing features are shown as being located on the outside of the skirt 3030 but in alternate embodiments the sealing features may be located in any suitable location.

The bottom member 2902 may include a frangible membrane 2960 that forms the bottom surface of the bottom member 2902, an outer skirt 3040, gripping features 2940 and extended gripping features 2950. The frangible membrane may include frangible wedges 2965 that are connected by frangement pathways 2920. The outer skirt 3040 may extend axially or longitudinally from the surface formed by the frangible membrane. The gripping features 2940 may be located on the outer surface of the skirt 3040 and may be substantially similar to gripping features 2930 described above. The extended gripping features 2950 may extend away from the outer surface of the outer skirt 3040 and may provide a user of the vessel closure 2900 grip for actuating the closure 2900 as will be described below. The inner surface of the skirt 3040 may include an actuation resistance block 3100, a frangible rotation resistance feature 3110, an angled surface 3120, a stop feature 3140 and a cavity 3180.

Upon initial assembly, the pads 3150, 3160 are aligned with the actuation resistance block 3100. The bottom surface 3165 of pad 3160 and the edge of block 3100 may be angled or radiused to assist in assembly. The top member 2901 and the bottom member 2902 may be pushed or otherwise forced together so that the pad 3160 slides over the actuation resistance block 3100 and into the cavity 3180. The actuation resistance block 3100 may be angled or radiused 3130 to assist in assembly. The pads 3160 and 3150 may be spaced apart so that while pad 3160 is within cavity 3180 the bottom surface 3150A of pad 3150 contacts the top surface of block 3100 to prevent any further unintentional axial or longitudinal motion of the top member 2901 relative to the bottom member 2902. Interaction between the top surface 3166 of pad 3160 and the bottom surface 3100A of block 3100 may prevent the assembly from coming apart. When assembled the top surface 2910 and outer skirt 3030 of the top member 2901 and the frangible membrane 2960 of the bottom member 2902 may form a reservoir for holding any suitable substance. When the top and bottom members 2901, 2902 are assembled the grooves 3010A, 3010B engage ridges 3000A, 3000B to seal the reservoir and prevent egress of the substance from the reservoir. Although two sets of sealing features 3010A, 3000A and 3010B, 3000B are shown in the drawings more or less than two sets of sealing features may be utilized. In alternate embodiments any suitable sealing feature or method may be utilized. The sealing features 3010A, 3000A and 3010B, 3000B may also assist in preventing unintentional actuation of the vessel closure 2900. Unintentional rotation of the top member 2901 relative to the bottom member 2902 may be prevented by the rotation resistance feature 3110 which may be substantially similar to membrane 1509 described above (See e.g. FIG. 19A).

In operation a user may rotate the top member 2901 relative to the bottom member 2902 in, for example, the direction of arrow R (Block 3200, FIG. 32). The gripping features 2930, 2940 and 2950 may provide adequate grip for actuation of the vessel closure 2900. Upon rotation, the user may provide sufficient force to break resistance feature 3110 allowing the pad 3160 (and the top member 2901) to rotate until stopped by feature 3140. Interaction between the top surface 3166 and surface 3120A may prevent separation of the top 2901 and bottom 2902. When stopped by feature 3140 the top member is aligned so that the pad 3150 is aligned with the angled surface 3120. The user may apply adequate force to the top member 2901 to drive the top member axially in the direction of arrow A towards the bottom surface 2960 of the bottom member 2902 so that the pads 3150 slide over the angled surface 3120 and into the cavity 3180 (Block 3210, FIG. 32). To effectuate the axial movement of the top member 2901 the user may employ the use of the extended gripping feature 3950 or any other suitable feature of the closure 2900. Upon axial movement in the direction of arrow A, the sealing feature 3010A may disengage feature 3000A and engage feature 3000B to maintain the seal between the top and bottom members 2901, 2902. In alternate embodiments the sealing features 3010A, 3010B may disengage and move past features 3000A, 3000B. The piercing feature 3020 may penetrate and fracture the frangible membrane 2960 so that the frangible wedges 2965 are separated along frangement pathways 2920 (Block 3220, FIG. 32). The frangible wedges may remain attached to the bottom member 2902 via living hinges as described above with reference to, for example, FIG. 24. The frangible wedges 2965 may be held open by the edge 3170, and upon further axial movement the outer skirt 3030, of the top member 2901 thereby allowing the egress of the reservoir contents (Block 3230, FIG. 32). Interaction between the top surface of pads 3150 with the surface 3120A may prevent separation of the top 2901 and bottom 2902 after actuation.

The vessel closure 2900 may be made in any suitable size to release a predetermined amount of substance. For example, the closure 2900 may contain a predetermined amount of sugar for a recipe or a dosage of medication.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container comprising: fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of a top member of the closure; and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising fracturing a frangible membrane of the top member of the closure so that the contents of the container are released through a resulting passage through the closure.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the resulting passage is resealable.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating the top member of the closure with respect to the base member of the closure to allow for a axial movement of the top member.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein rotating the top member disengages locking mechanisms of the top and base members.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein breaking the frangible membrane of the base member comprises exerting a force on a top of the closure.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the closure and the attached container are of unitary construction.
 8. A method for introducing reservoir contents from a closure into a content of an attached container comprising: fracturing a frangible membrane of a top member of the closure with a protrusion on a spigot or crown member of the closure; fracturing a frangible membrane of a base member of the closure with a protrusion of the top member of the closure; and introducing the reservoir contents to the container contents through the fractured frangible membrane of the base member.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein segments of the frangible membrane of the top member remain hingably attached to the top member after being fractured.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein at least the frangible membranes of the top and base members contain the reservoir contents before an actuation of the closure.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising passing a content of the attached container through the container closure via the broken frangible membranes of the top and base members.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the closure and the attached container are of unitary construction.
 13. A closure system comprising: a top member including at least one protrusion on an interior of the top member; and a base member attached to the top member, where the top and base members form at least one reservoir for containing at least one substance; wherein the top member is configured to move axially with respect to the base member.
 14. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the at least one protrusion on an interior of the top member is configured to fracture a frangible membrane of the base member, wherein the substance is released when the frangible membrane is fractured.
 15. The closure system of claim 14, wherein the frangible membrane includes segments hingably attached to the base member.
 16. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the top member further comprises an outer frangible or deformable skirt portion for minimizing unintentional actuation of the top member.
 17. The closure system of claim 13, wherein a skirt of the base member engages a container for removably attaching the closure to the container, the skirt having contact portions to provide seal(s) between the closure and the container.
 18. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the closure is configured so the top member remains engaged with the base member after actuation to prevent a content of an attached container from escaping through the closure.
 19. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the top and base members each include locking mechanisms which when engaged minimize unintentional actuation of the top member.
 20. The closure system of claim 13, wherein the base member is of unitary construction with a container into which the at least one substance is released.
 21. A closure system comprising: a base member; a top member slidably engaged with the base member, the top member having a spigot member; and a crown member slidably engaged with the top member; wherein the base member and top member form at least one reservoir.
 22. The closure system of claim 21, wherein the spigot member is slidably engaged within a cavity of the top member and retained by the crown member, the spigot member being configured to snap into a groove of the top member for retaining the spigot member upon actuation of the crown and spigot members.
 23. The closure system of claim 21, wherein when actuated, the spigot member pierces a frangible membrane on a top surface of the top member and a protrusion of the top member pierces a frangible membrane of the base member, wherein a content of the at least one reservoir is released into an attached container when the frangible membrane of the base member is broken.
 24. The closure system of claim 21, wherein when actuated, the crown member pierces a frangible membrane on a top surface of the top member and a protrusion of the top member pierces a frangible membrane of the base member, wherein a content of the at least one reservoir is released into an attached container when the frangible membrane of the base member is broken.
 25. The closure system of claim 21, wherein axial movement of the crown member after actuation interacts with the spigot member to prevent or allow passage of a content of an attached container to pass through the closure.
 26. The closure system of claim 21, wherein the base member is of unitary construction with a container into which a content of the at least one reservoir is released.
 27. A method of releasing a content of a reservoir comprising: rotating a top member of the reservoir relative to a bottom member of the reservoir; axially driving the top member of the reservoir so that a protrusion of the top member fractures a frangible membrane of the bottom member; and releasing the content of the reservoir through the fractured frangible membrane. 